A Battle for the Soul of the Nation By Franklin Graham On July 4, we will celebrate the 243rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, when our forefathers gathered at Freedom Hall in Philadelphia to sign the document that marked the birth of a new nation, the United States of America. Sadly, the moral and spiritual framework that has held our nation together for hundreds of years is unraveling quickly. Nonetheless, I believe God is able to powerfully and supernaturally work in the midst of prevailing moral darkness to shine the saving truth of the Gospel into the hardened hearts of men and women. This I know—that God hears and answers the prayers of His people. Prayer is the most powerful weapon in the universe because our prayers come before Almighty God, who works all things according to His will. It was men and women of faith who founded this great nation, relying steadfastly upon the Lord Jesus Christ. May it be men and women of faith today—faith in the awesome, sovereign power of God—who will stand fast on the Word of God and refuse to bend their knees to the false idols and gods of this present age.

Why We Celebrate the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is the most important political holiday in the world. In fact, it should be a universal holiday.

Independence Day commemorates not just an American revolution but a revolution in the relationship between people and their government.

Most of human history has been a story of the powerful controlling, dominating, and exploiting the weak.

Even today, in Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea, the old models still exists.

In the communist dictatorship of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping is imposing 21st century totalitarianism with a level of surveillance and control which surpasses even the worst nightmares of George Orwell.

The great break in the relationship of normal people with their government came on July 4, 1776. In the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers not only declared their freedom from King George III of England, they established a framework of freedom for all people everywhere.

The Declaration of Independence was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson (which is why the Left’s new found dislike of Jefferson is so absurd). He set out to establish universal principles for all mankind. He did not describe American rights. He described human rights that were by definition also applicable to Americans.

This is the distinction that should make the Fourth of July a universal celebration. Jefferson wrote a formula that could liberate every person on the planet.

Note the universal assertion:

The Declaration was a statement from which all humans can seek guidance. Its adoption should be a date of remembrance for everyone everywhere who wants to reassert their right to govern themselves and not be exploited by others.

It is especially important to celebrate the Declaration of Independence now, because the great concept of self-government under the rule of law is under attack from without and within.

Obviously, the Putins, Kim Jong Uns and Castros despise this doctrine of Creator-endowed rights expressed within the rule of law.

Unfortunately, we now have enemies of freedom within our own country and in the democracies of Europe. Violent extremists like Antifa seek to destroy freedom and impose their values by intimidation and force. Many academics express contempt for the American system of self-government. The more radical elements of the Congress clearly seek to undermine and dramatically change the American system.

It is important to use the Fourth of July every year to reassert the importance of universal rights endowed by our Creator for every human being. It is important to use this holiday to remember how exceptional America is – and that everyone on the planet has the opportunity to apply this exceptionalism to their own countries and governments.

This is why Fourth of July is the most important political holiday for every human.

Your Friend,
Newt